Switchback RidgeCabernet Sauvignon 2023

Only 500 cases were produced of this focused Cabernet Sauvignon. Now under Thomas Rivers Brown’s direction, the wines show both the vineyard’s pedigree and a refined sense of balance. He captures the site’s natural richness and structure while highlighting its mineral edge and lift—resulting in a Cabernet of depth, poise, and true Calistoga character. Dark ruby in color, this Cabernet shows layers of cherry, blackberry, and cassis with hints of dark chocolate and spice. Rich and structured yet refined, it finishes long and velvety with beautiful balance and lift.

I was an early supporter of Switchback Ridge, back when Bob Foley was at the height of his fame—crafting some of Napa’s most sought-after wines at the time, including Pride, Paloma, Hourglass, and his own label, alongside Switchback Ridge. The vines originate from the Peterson family’s century-old ranch in the western Calistoga Palisades—land they’ve farmed since 1914. Once planted to walnuts and prunes, the property was converted to vineyard in the early 1990s under David Abreu’s meticulous direction, establishing the foundation for the quality that continues today. Now guided by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown and viticulturist Matt Hardin, the wines reflect both the pedigree of the site and a more modern sense of balance and restraint, combining depth and structure with a natural lift. Remarkably, vintner Kelly Peterson has kept pricing steady even as peers have climbed, making these wines among Napa Valley’s most under-the-radar values.